What is transactional immunity?

Transactional immunity is a legal protection granted to a witness, typically in exchange for their testimony against another party, often in a criminal case. This form of immunity ensures that the witness cannot be prosecuted for the crimes related to the testimony they provide. It is a broader form of immunity compared to use immunity, which only protects a witness from having their testimony used against them in a subsequent prosecution; transactional immunity prevents any prosecution for the crimes covered by the testimony altogether. This incentive encourages witnesses to provide truthful information without the fear of self-incrimination.

The other options do not accurately describe transactional immunity. Immunity against civil suits relates to a different context entirely, focusing on civil law rather than the criminal justice process. Wealth-based immunity implies a system where individuals with more resources receive legal protections, which does not align with standard legal principles. Temporary immunity connected to plea deals, while similar, does not encompass the broader scope of transactional immunity, which inherently protects the individual from prosecution regardless of ongoing negotiations or agreements.